Mitchell set to return for Saints in Champions Cup amid travel chaos for Bulls
The Bulls have made 13 changes for their Investec Champions Cup quarter-final against Northampton Saints on Saturday following a logistical headache, while Alex Mitchell is set to feature for the hosts.
The South African outfit have reportedly endured severe travel disruption on their journey to England after they were made to wait for Northamptonâs result against Munster – 24 hours after their victory over Lyon – before making the necessary travel arrangements.
But booking flights proved difficult, with players forced to catch separate long-haul flights, while a number of regular starters have been left behind.
World champion trio Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse will watch the last-eight match from home, as will Wilco Louw, Marcell Coetzee, Gerhard Steenkamp and Johan Goosen.
Wing Sebastian de Klerk and lock JF van Heerden are the only Bulls players who have retained their places in the side.
“No sporting team today as I speak flies out with eight different aeroplanes,” White said about his squadâs chaotic journey earlier this week.
“Some to Birmingham, some to London. Some land at nine. Some land at two. You’re talking about a competition where you want to be the best in the world. It doesn’t add up.
âThis is a wonderful competition and itâs something we want to win,â he added. âOne of the things I learned last year was I didnât rotate my squad enough.â
As for the hosts Northampton, they have made three changes with Mitchell set to start alongside the returning Juarno Augustus and George Hendy.
“We’ve had a great season and the confidence going through the squad is massive which has been showing out on the pitch,” Mitchell told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.
“There is a massive buzz around the club at the moment. We are performing well and winning games. It feels like we can fight on both fronts and do a really good job in both tournaments.”
In a bumper weekend of Investec Champions Cup action on TNT Sports, current holders La Rochelle face Leinster in a repeat of last year’s final, while Bordeaux Begles play Harlequins.
Toulouse have made one change to their team for their match against Exeter Cheifs, who remain unchanged, as centre Paul Costes replaces Pierre-Louis Barassi for the French side.
Northampton Saints v Bulls lineups
NORTHAMPTON: Ramm; Hendy, Freeman, Dingwall, Sleightholme; Smith, Mitchell; Iyogun, Langdon, Davison, Moon, Coles, Lawes (capt), Graham, Augustus.
Replacements: Matavesi, Waller, Hill, Mayanavanua, Scott-Young, Ludlam, James, Furbank.
BULLS: Williams; De Klerk, Immelman, Vorster, Jacobs; Smith, Burger; Matanzima, Van der Merwe, Smith, Swanepoel, Van Heerden, Carr, Gumede, Hanekom.
Replacements: Wessels, Smith, Klopper, Olivier, Ludwig, Johannes, Van der Walt, Hendricks.
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